The period drama series has been dubbed 'the best historical series ever' by fans and viewers are utterly obsessed. It even stars a hugely beloved star in the lead.08:17, 21 Jul 2026If historical period dramas based on real-life events are your thing — this next recommendation from us will be right up your alley.‌A three-part historical period drama currently streaming free on Channel 4 has completely captivated fans of the genre. Hailed as a 'must-watch' series that is 'simply spectacular', audiences have been left astounded by the 'attention to detail' and 'historical accuracy' of the period drama — a feat that is often hard to achieve in the category.‌Gunpowder is being celebrated as 'one of the best mini-series ever', with fans championing the 'historically fascinating and gripping' drama. The limited series originally aired on BBC One in October 2017 and was created and developed by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy), actor Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), and Daniel West.‌The show revolves around the Gunpowder Plot in London in 1605, with Harington taking the lead role. In a surprising twist, Harington is actually a direct descendant of his character on the show, Robert Catesby, who is popularly hailed as the leader of the Gunpowder Plot, reports Wales Online.Speaking to The Independent about playing his ancestor on screen, Harington said: "I didn't actually know a lot about Catesby. It was only by doing some research into the gunpowder plot, that I started to understand how these people worked.”‌Explaining why he felt he simply had to take up the role, the Game of Thrones star shared: “Yes, there was a family connection but more it was the idea that this seemed like an idea ripe for the making. I couldn't really work out why it hadn't been dramatised. It's such a significant piece of typically English folklore.”Gunpowder was primarily shot in Yorkshire and was directed by J Blakeson, with the underrated series even earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Production Design after its release.Kit Harington is joined by Peter Mullan, Derek Riddell, Mark Gatiss, Liv Tyler, Luke Broughton, Philip Hill-Pearson, Edward Holcroft, and Tom Cullen, alongside a wider ensemble cast.‌The series has garnered praise from all quarters, with one critic writing: "Not only is Gunpowder better than Game of Thrones' entire latest season, it's the kind of creative project that proves Harington deserves to be watched in the future for more than his puppy eyes or bastard bona fides."Another reviewer described the historical drama as: "Nasty, visceral and gutsy, as, I'm so sorry to say, is history, and truth."‌A third critic wrote: "Director J. Blakeson, along with cinematographer Philipp Blaubach, crafts scenes with equal attention to style and detail, furthering television's efforts to deliver a story that's as visually impressive as its cinematic counterparts."Audiences were equally bowled over, with one viewer posting on IMDB: "This is a beautifully crafted portrayal of one of England's most significant periods in history. The locations, costumes and character development were both beautiful and excellent."Kit Harrington was compelling. His direct family ancestor was Robert Catesby and he portrayed him with integrity and authenticity. A very engaging and worthwhile and series."‌Another user review on IMDB says: "Edge of your seat drama. Knew nothing about this one. Just stumbled on it as I was looking for something to watch during the pandemic. Why didn't I know about this great mini-series? Extremely tense, beautifully designed, solid performances, great story. The less someone knows about it going into it, the more the enjoyment."While one impressed viewer said: "Excellent drama & story telling. Excellent actors as well. What was great about this series was that it seemed true to the times in terms of conduct & behaviour by the key characters."So many series at the moment have modern day behaviours creeping into the story, but with this, there is a sense that we are in these times, rather than a millennial dress up show."Article continues belowGunpowder is available to stream for free on Channel 4.